Minor in Global Development
Minor in Global Development
Available for all UT undergraduates, a minor in global development prepares students for global sustainable development fieldwork, fulfills the academic requirements of the UT Peace Corps Prep Program, and offers a valuable foundation for students seeking to become Fulbright Scholars. The minor is complementary to global studies majors and minors and the minor in international agriculture and natural resources.
Minor Requirements
The minor consists of 18 hours, and includes training both in a specific US Peace Corps work sector and in intercultural competence. Some of the classes within the minor may have prerequisites. At least nine credit hours must be completed at the 300 or 400 level.
Learn more about class requirements.
Students wishing to declare the minor must contact their assigned academic advisor. Students wishing to pursue their Peace Corps Prep Certificate in addition to the minor must contact the UT Peace Corps Prep Coordinator.
More information on the minor and the UT Peace Corps Prep Program can also be obtained by contacting the UT Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, Adam Willcox at 865-974-1557 or awillcox@utk.edu.
Training and Experience in a Specific Peace Corps Work Sector
The ability to leverage concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through the Global Development Minor, students will begin to build a professional specialty that will enhance career skillsets whether volunteering in the US Peace Corps or working in any professional role.
Students in this minor must complete at least nine credit hours that align with a specific Peace Corps work sector: agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, or youth in development. Education is the US Peace Corps’ largest and broadest work sector, providing math, science, and English teachers to local communities.
Students must also accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in the same sector to complete the UT Peace Corps Prep Program and receive the certificate from the US Peace Corps. Additional requirements include foreign language skills and professional and leadership development.
Intercultural Competence
Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one’s own self-awareness. With this objective as a goal, students will deepen their cultural agility through courses that teach about the lives of others while reflecting upon one’s own role.
These courses help build students’ capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences. Students must complete one of two core classes and six credit hours of directed electives to complete this category.
Read the full requirements for the Global Development Minor.